South East urges action on foxes

Autumn is baiting time for rabbits and foxes and the South East Livestock Health and Pest Authority is urging landholders across the region to contact their local office to discuss options for controlling these pest animals on their properties.

Grant Coe, senior ranger with South East LHPA, says the best results for long-term sustainable control of both rabbits and foxes are gained by regular, coordinated group baiting in which groups of neighbours strategically target the pest problem in their area.

"We have had great success with our 1080 and Pindone baiting courses. More than 300 landholders have participated in the course specifically designed to allow landholders to bait on their property," Mr Coe said.

"The three-hour course gives landholders a clear understanding of 1080 and Pindone use and their legal obligations, and has resulted in an increased use of 1080 and Pindone baiting to control pest animals, especially by small landholders as part of larger group programs."

Mr Coe reminded landholders that the training course conducted by the LHPA doesn’t replace the AQF chemical application courses, which remain a requirement for use of other pesticides.

The training course covers topics such as baiting techniques, toxicity, storage, transport, legislation and OH&S. Landholders completing the course will be issued a certification card and will remain accredited to use 1080 and Pindone for five years.

For more information about your legal responsibility to control pest animals on your property, dates for the next training course in your local area or for assistance in setting up baiting programs contact your local LHPA office: Braidwood 4842 2536; Bega 6492 1283; Cooma 6452 1122; Bombala 6458 3055; or Milton 0405 135 193.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378